Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has urged Sierra Leoneans in the United States to strengthen their collaboration with the Government to tackle national challenges. He outlined plans to enhance consular services, boost diplomatic representation, and utilise diaspora expertise for national development.
Swaray made his remarks at a Town Hall meeting on Thursday, 1 October 2026, at the White Oak Community Center in Maryland, organised by the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Washington, D.C., and Berny’s Hope Foundation-USA. This meeting is part of his engagement with the Sierra Leonean community in the US, focusing on diaspora expertise and investment opportunities.
He expressed gratitude for the support from Sierra Leoneans living abroad and highlighted that the nation’s challenges cut across political, regional, and ethnic lines. He stressed that cooperation between the Government and the diaspora could lead to practical solutions.
On US visa restrictions affecting Sierra Leoneans, Swaray called this a national issue and encouraged the diaspora to look beyond the political aspects. He noted these restrictions hinder Sierra Leoneans from pursuing educational opportunities, attending conferences, and visiting family.
The Minister reassured attendees that the Embassy continues to work with US authorities and that the Ministry is collaborating with the US Embassy in Freetown to resolve immigration and diplomatic issues. He encouraged the community to engage with their Congressional representatives to lobby on matters impacting Sierra Leone.
Swaray also reaffirmed President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to national unity, referencing the recent return of former President Ernest Bai Koroma. He emphasised that fostering national cohesion requires contributions from Sierra Leoneans both domestically and abroad.
Detailing his 100-day agenda, the Minister highlighted plans for improvements in services to Sierra Leoneans overseas, including a pilot programme to streamline visa applications and passport renewals. He described the digitisation of consular services as key to reducing the burden on citizens living far from diplomatic missions and encouraged registration with embassies for emergency support.
He reiterated the necessity for professionalism and accountability within the Ministry and recognised embassy staff for their efforts in representing Sierra Leone and serving the diaspora.
Swaray advocated for Sierra Leone’s diplomatic missions to actively attract foreign investment by connecting potential investors with relevant ministries in Sierra Leone. He also called for greater diaspora involvement in improving conditions at overseas missions and announced plans to create a framework for skilled Sierra Leoneans abroad to volunteer their expertise for national development.
Attorney General Alpha Sesay attended the meeting, addressing questions about dual citizenship, EU support, land reforms, and other legal matters raised by the diaspora community.
Also present were Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the US, H.E. Amara Sowa, and key officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In closing, Swaray thanked embassy staff and the diaspora for their participation, promising to collaborate to enhance Sierra Leone’s diplomatic presence and engagement with citizens in the United States.
